In the extreme heat in Kansas City, with an index of 113 degrees, Justin Verlander threw 119 pitches in 7 2/3 innings and beat the Royals, 2-1, making him the first Tigers pitcher in 24 years with 12 wins prior to the All-Star break.

Verlander (12-4) threw 82 strikes in his 119 pitches and improved to 12-2 in 18 starts against the Royals. The first Tiger since Jack Morris in 1987 with 12 wins before the break.

He allowed six hits and did not walk a batter while getting charged with one unearned run. He has not allowed more than two runs in nine straight starts.

Jose Valverde earned his 24th straight save. He saved all three of the victories against KC.

As up & down as this season has been, the Tigers, winners of four of their last five, moved into first place with a half-game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central to end the 1st half of the season.

Now Verlander, Valverde, Miguel Cabrera, Alex Avila, & Jhonny Peralta will head to Arizona as All-Stars of the American League as they compete in the 2011 All-Star Game, which is set for this Tuesday night.